Tyler Clark demonstrates how he makes his Some Thins potato chips. The York County-based entrepreneur is running a gourmet potato chip business at local farmers markets across the Peninsula.

Tyler Clark demonstrates how he makes his Some Thins potato chips. The York County-based entrepreneur is running a gourmet potato chip business at local farmers markets across the Peninsula.

Natalie Joseph

A local LongHorn Steakhouse employee was crowned the regional champion of the brand’s Steak Master Series, a national competition featuring the restaurant’s top-performing grilling experts from across the country.

Barry Neff, a Toano resident and five-year LongHorn Steakhouse employee, became one of 57 team members to win a prize during the competition. The 57 winners beat out 5,000 total participants to advance in the national competition.

“It feels great. The whole time I was in shock,” Neff said. “I couldn’t believe it was happening to me.”

The regional challenge included restaurants stretching from Richmond to Virginia Beach and was open to all cooks at the restaurant level. Neff represented the LongHorn located at 4970-13 Monticello Ave. in Williamsburg.

The competition began at the local restaurant level and included four stages. Neff won the local and regional rounds before placing placing third in the semifinals.

During each stage he was challenged to pass written tests and cook steaks.

“When an employee goes on to the next level and competes and wins there, it gives us a lot of exposure,” said local LongHorn managing partner Scott McCabe.

The third annual Steak Masters Series reflects the restaurants dedication to grilling top-notch steaks for customers across the country. Neff has worked in the restaurant industry for 20 years and hopes to become a manager for LongHorn in the future.

“LongHorn is a very large company,” Neff said. “I like the people who own LongHorn and it’s a very good company to be involved with. I’ve been trying get involved at different times so I am trying to see if I can work my way up from the ground floor.”

Neff said one of his top grilling tips is to never buy frozen beef.

He also emphasized the importance of boldly seasoning the fresh beef to get a flavorful steak. One of his secrets to accomplishing bold flavor at home is to combine Kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, granulated onion powder and granulated garlic powder.

“We are going to do this every year and our goal is to win it every year,” McCabe said. “As long as I have Barry around I’m sure that’s going to happen.”

Bastille Wine Dinner

Riverwalk Restaurant, 323 Water St. in Yorktown, is hosting a five-course French-themed dinner to celebrate Bastille Day 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday. The dinner will be served with French wines and tickets are $70. Register by calling 757-875-1522.

Historic Post Office Taste & Tour

Tour the Historic Post Office (132 E. Queen St. in Hampton) 6-8 p.m. Wednesday to get information related to weddings and other events at the venue. The tour will include cake samples from bakeries across Hampton Roads. RSVP at facebook.com/events/237472013472507 to reserve a spot. Free. Info: 757848-3885.

Norfolk Taco Festival

About 30 Virginia restaurants and food trucks will sell $3 tacos at the Norfolk Taco Festival 1-7 p.m. Saturday at 333 Waterside Drive in Norfolk. Other food and drinks also will be available for purchase on-site. General admission is $14.99 and children younger than 10 are free. Info: watersidedistrict.com.

Peninsula brewery news

The Virginia Beer Company, 401 2nd St. near Williamsburg, will release the Evil Santa Spiced Milk Stout at noon Friday during its Xmas in July party. Info: virginiabeerco.com or 757-378-2903.